R 031432Z DEC 25 MARADMIN 579/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC// SUBJ/2025 FALL-WINTER SAFETY MESSAGE// POC/TIM GALLAGHER/COL/DIRECTOR, RMD - SAFETY DIVISION/ TEL: 703-571-4557//  GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  “Safety isn’t luck, it’s leadership!”  The  coming fall-winter holiday season offers all Marines, Sailors, and  Civilian Marines an important opportunity to rest, recharge, and  reconnect with family, friends, and loved ones.  Whether celebrating  at home or traveling, take the time to look out for yourself and  those around you.  Practicing sound risk management isn’t just about  avoiding mishaps, it’s about taking care of yourself, your  teammates, and ensuring the readiness of our Corps. 2.  The holiday season brings new risks as the weather changes and  our routines shift.  Slippery roads, reduced daylight, fatigue, and  busy schedules can increase hazards both on and off duty.   Recognizing these risks and making smart, deliberate choices protect  not only you, but your fellow Marines, your families, and the  mission. 3.  If you’re traveling, plan ahead and stay alert.  Whether you’re  close to home or crossing the country, take a moment to evaluate  your risks.  Don’t drive fatigued or under the influence.  Keep an  eye on changing weather and have a plan if delays or emergencies  arise.  If something changes, communicate with your chain of  command.  They would rather get a phone call than a casualty report. 4.  Commanders and Leaders:  As we enter the holidays, make it a  priority to connect with each Marine and Sailor under your charge.  Ask about their plans, listen, and ensure they have what they need  to make safe choices.  These personal conversations matter.  They  reinforce that leadership doesn’t stop when the day ends or leave  starts, and every Marine and Sailor should know their leaders care  enough to ask. 5.  When we return in the New Year, lead a strong reset through Back  In The Saddle (BITS) training.  Set the tone for 2026 by emphasizing  standards, discipline, and ownership.  Re-zeroing topics should  include reinforcing that every task must be executed in accordance  with law, order, and policy, and if something feels unsafe or  unclear, stop and elevate it.  Speaking up is not hesitation, its  professionalism, courage, and loyalty to your team. 6.  Start 2026 sharp, ready, and accountable.  Ensure all Risk Management Information (RMI) reports are current or closed out and have Safety Shops dive back into RMI to learn the new modules and tools.  These systems only work when we do.  Let’s use them to strengthen how we identify hazards, track progress, and protect our Marines and Sailors. 7.  Lead from the front and set the tone.  Bring your Marines and  Sailors back focused, recharged, and ready to train, fight, and  win—safely. 8.  Enjoy the holidays, make smart choices, and come back stronger.  This season is about family, reflection, and gratitude, so take care  of one another.  We look forward to seeing every Marine, Sailor, and  Civilian Marine back in 2026, ready to continue the mission with  energy, purpose, and pride. 9.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Paul J. Rock Jr.,  Director, Marine Corps Staff.//